A Farewell to Kigali

It’s time to say goodbye to the land of a thousand hills.

When Patrick and I arrived in Kigali nearly three years ago, we could not have imagined how much this country would become part of our lives. The friendships we built, the conversations we had, the lessons we learned, and the moments we shared have shaped this chapter in ways we will always treasure.

We have always believed that meaningful change rarely comes from grand gestures. It often happens through simple conversations, encouragement, sharing knowledge, opening a door for someone, or believing in a person when they doubt themselves. If we were able to make a positive difference in the lives of some of the people we met, then we consider ourselves very fortunate.

Many readers may remember a previous blog in which I wrote about my work as a model trainer. Looking back, this part of our journey is especially close to my heart. I had the privilege of sharing my experience with aspiring models, but the truth is that I learned just as much from them as they learned from me.

Their dedication, kindness, discipline, and willingness to grow were remarkable. Week after week, they showed up eager to learn, improve, and support one another. Watching their confidence develop and seeing them take opportunities that once seemed far away was incredibly rewarding. I am proud that I could contribute in a small way to their journey, and I will always cherish the time we spent together.

Although my involvement in model training came to an end some time ago, the memories remain very special to me. What touches me most is that some of the models still reach out from time to time. A message to share good news, ask for advice, or simply say hello is a reminder that the connections we build are often more important than the projects themselves. Seeing young people grow in confidence and pursue their goals was one of the most rewarding experiences of my time in Rwanda, and I remain grateful to have been a small part of their journey.

Patrick's work in aviation also introduced us to an extraordinary community of professionals. We met people whose commitment keeps the industry moving every day, often behind the scenes and without recognition. Through them, we gained friendships that extended far beyond the workplace. Aviation in Kigali has been a wonderful part of our lives, and we are deeply grateful for the kindness and support we received.

As we prepare for our next adventure, our hearts are filled with gratitude. There are countless moments that will stay with us long after we have left.For that, we will always be grateful.